Phoenix Audio / N90-DRC/500

This API500 compatible mono compressor/gate uses VCA control for its compression method, and achieves excellent sound quality thanks to its Class A discrete input circuit and Class A transformer balanced output.

■Features
- 500 Series format compressor and gate
- A viscous character that recreates the sounds of the past

~From the manufacturer's website~
The N90-DRC ""David Rees Compressor"" is a mono compressor and gate in API 500 format. Originally conceived by former NEVE circuit designer David Rees nearly 20 years ago, its release was shelved, but the time has finally come to unveil it. The compression method employs VCA control, and the Class A discrete input circuit and Class A transformer-balanced output deliver unparalleled sound quality.

The N90-DRC is a compressor whose settings are fine-tuned by the engineer's own ears. There is no one-size-fits-all setting that fits every environment. It features a wide range of tonal effects, a musical and smooth texture, and a viscous character that recreates the sounds of the past.

The N90-DRC's compression curve is highly musical, suppressing sudden peaks in signals that exceed the threshold, resulting in seamless audio signal processing. A high ratio setting can be used for aggressive limiting, and attack times are also available.
The gate section's release knob adjusts the combined hold and release times, which are set to achieve a natural gate effect. This not only creates a highly usable gate in the form of noise reduction, but also brings subtle nuances to the ambience and atmosphere of a song.

The N90-DRC consists of two sections: ""COMP"" and ""GATE.""

Compressor Section
Threshold: +10dB - -30dB
Ratio: 2:1 - 8:1
Release Time: 10ms - 300ms
Bypass Switch: Compressor On/Off
Fast Switch: Switches between Fast (1ms) and Slow (15ms) attack times
Auto Switch: Auto-release

Gate Section
Threshold: 0dB - +4dB
Range: 40 - 10
Release Time: 0.1s - 2s
Link Switch: Links up to eight modules on/off
Key Switch: External input via bantam connector
Gate Switch: Gate on/off

Specifications
API500 format module
Fully balanced, transformerless input
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20,000Hz +/-0.5dB
Maximum Output Level: +26dBu
Maximum Amplification Level: +15dBu
Input/Output Connectors: XLR 3-pin (API 500 standard rack rear)
Noise Level: -90dB @20Hz to 20kHz
Meter: 5 LEDs